Cold Cathode Florescent Lighting Kit

Light her UP!

Introduction
Recently we have started to see a trend in computer case modification. Usually this is done by various wild and wacky modifications and idea's. After people have finished hacking at there cases with dremels and holesaws, what else is there to do apart from to add some cool case lighting inside. This can be done by either using Neon lights, LED's or Cold Cathodes. The majority of modders use cold cathodes as they give off very little heat and are very bright illuminating the inside of the PC

What You Get

CCFL Tube
Insulated Inverter
Rocker Switch
Pass Through Molex Cable
Mounting Feet & Ties

Appearance
As soon as I received the cold cathode I noticed straight away the acrylic tube. This gives the cathode a very robust feel. They have also attached square end caps to the acrylic tube. Im presuming this is to stop the cathode from being able to roll about. It also gives the cathode a funky look as the end caps glow. The kit comes complete with a switch and insulated inverter. The switch is a standard rocker switch which can be easily fitted into any panel within your PC. I bypassed the switch as I hooked the cold cathode upto my baybus. The insulated inverter is also very tidy. With most cold cathodes the inverter comes in a cardboard box, which isn't exactly suitable to keep the PCB insulated. The Lamps Electronics inverter is housed in a neat plastic box which keeps the inside of the computer very tidy.

Specification

Cathode Length = 116mm , 12mm diameter
Inverter = 75 x 25 x 20mm (w x d x h)

Comparison

The pictures below show the difference in quality between the Lamps Electronics cathode which is housed in the acrylic tube and the Maplins/Velleman cathodes.

With the mini cathodes its also possible to place them inside your computer in almost any place. They are ideal for use in the SFF (Small Form Factor) PC's such as the Shuttle. Although the Lamps Electronic cathodes are by far the better quality, the cheaper alternative cathode has its bonuses too. I tried to fit a mini cathode in my Shuttle SV24 between the front fascia and the PSU. Due to the Maplin/Vellemen cathode not being enclosed in an acrylic tube I was able to do this. The Lamp Electronics cathode was slightly too wide to fit in the gap.

Pro's

Very well constructed
Coloured Acrylic Tube (Giving a nicer blue light off)
Square End Caps
Insulated Inverter with fixing kit
Pass through molex connector

Con's

Inside the acrylic tube are a few particles (can be seen in the photos)

Conclusion

A very nice cold cathode kit. For months I've ranted and raved about how nice the Maplins/Velleman cathodes look, but now I've seen this one in the flesh, Maplins don't stand a chance! Although many people will probably still use them as they are priced very cheap. Id recommend if you have the extra cash, to buy a Cold Cathode with an acrylic sleeve. Although I've just been informed tonight that Maplins are releasing some cold cathodes specifically designed for PC's which come with an acyrlic sleeve. Further Information can be found on the forum. The kit from Lamps Electronics also carrys the CE certification (Certificates pictured below). :-)